Höegh ship hit by pirates

Hoegh Line car carrier has avoided being hijacked off Somalia, after the ship was attacked by pirates on Oct. 3, reports Trade Winds.

The Singapore-flagged Hoegh Pusan (photo), built 1997, was attacked on route to Africa from the Middle East.

Two pirates were said to have fired automatic weapons and chased the ship, but the captain increased speed and was able to evade them.

The incident took place some 620 nautical miles east of Somalia and 100 nautical miles from The Seychelles.

Reports say the ship sought help on an open radio channel but the pirates intercepted the call, and using broken English pretended to be a warship, possibly hoping to bluff the ship from seeking further help.

The incidents took place at night as pirates took advantage of the lighter evenings caused by the Full Harvest Moon.